Chemical transport is an essential pillar, not only for the chemical industry, but also for the global economy. According to the BVL Chemical Logistics Study, chemical logistics accounts for a significant 15% of the overall logistics market, reflecting its strategic relevance compared to other industries.
The sector faces constant challenges stemming from increasing cost pressures, nascent digitalisation and the need to adapt to changing strategic priorities. In this article, we explore the key challenges and opportunities that will shape the future of chemical transportation.
Chemical industry gets back on the pulse
The Spanish chemical sector is experiencing a remarkable recovery after years of economic uncertainty and adjustments in production. According to the Spanish Chemical Industry Federation (Feique), 2024 will close with a 7.1% growth in production and a 4.8% increase in turnover, reaching 86,453 million euros.
This upturn is due to factors such as higher domestic and international demand, falling inflation and lower interest rates. In addition, exports within the EU-27 have grown by 8%, with key destinations such as Morocco, Turkey and the United Kingdom, consolidating Spain's position in the European chemical trade.
For 2025, the outlook remains encouraging, with forecasts for additional growth of 3.2% in production and a turnover that will exceed 90,000 million euros. However, this context requires chemical companies to prioritise logistical efficiency, operational flexibility and the adoption of advanced technologies as strategic pillars in the transport of these products.
Chemical transport faces challenges that require a structured approach to transform them into strategic opportunities.
1) Controlling cost pressures
Increasing pressure on operating costs, especially in warehousing and transport, has become one of the most pressing challenges facing the industry. This phenomenon, driven by hyperinflation in energy and personnel, requires solutions that go beyond traditional cost-saving measures. According to a Miebach report, companies must adopt two key strategies to mitigate this impact:
- Diversification: Combining different modes of transport (road, sea, air and rail) allows companies to adapt more flexibly to market fluctuations, avoid supply chain disruptions and reduce operating costs.
- Transparency: Having complete visibility over logistics operations allows for the detection of inefficiencies and opportunities for savings, such as consolidating shipments, optimising inventories or adjusting routes, among others. In addition, maintaining open and constant communication with logistics partners improves coordination and allows for quick and effective decision making, reducing unnecessary costs.
2) Sustainability: a strategic objective for the transport of these products
Although sustainability features prominently in companies' public statements, the Miebach study reveals that CO2 neutrality ambitions have been relegated to the background. This dynamic is mainly due to current economic urgencies, which have led to a prioritisation of cost reduction over investment in cleaner practices.
However, sustainability remains a strategic objective that companies cannot ignore. According to Deloitte, regulations such as the Border Carbon Adjustment Mechanism are forcing companies to adopt cleaner practices in their supply chains. Key measures include
- Use of alternative fuels.
- Cleaner and more efficient fleets.
- Development of sustainable warehouses.
Although current economic urgencies make it difficult to implement these measures immediately, their long-term impact is undeniable. In addition to complying with environmental regulations, these measures improve the reputation and competitiveness of companies, especially in a global market that rewards responsible practices.
3) An industry that is still far from the expected degree of digitalisation
Digitalisation remains a challenge in chemical transport, but it also represents one of the biggest opportunities to boost the sector's competitiveness. The integration of advanced technological tools and more efficient strategic planning are essential steps to address cost pressures and stand out in an increasingly demanding market. However, progress in this area is uneven and slower than expected.
According to the Miebach report, tools such as digital twins, control towers and predictive analytics are far from being a widespread reality in the industry. In fact, not a single company in the study has implemented digital twins in their supply chains, and only a third plan to do so from 2025 onwards. Meanwhile, the use of control towers to improve logistics visibility is virtually non-existent, although many companies recognise their importance and are beginning to plan for their adoption.
Despite this scenario, some companies have begun to adopt technologies such as robotic process automation (RPA). Tools such as predictive analytics and big data analytics are also gaining interest.
4) Spain: a strategic hub for the transport of chemical products
Spain occupies a privileged position on the global logistics map, acting as a natural nexus between Europe, Africa and the Middle East. This strategic advantage consolidates the competitiveness of the Spanish chemical sector and positions it as a key player in global supply chains.
The growth of chemical exports to emerging markets further strengthens this position. Morocco, Turkey and the United Kingdom are emerging as strategic destinations for European chemical trade, where Spain plays a key role as a bridge between continents.
5) From Excel to advanced tools: the future of logistics planning
Many chemical companies still rely on basic tools such as Excel for logistics planning, a solution that, while affordable, is not suitable for managing complex, global supply chains.
According to Miebach, strategic planning in the chemical industry is generally done every two to three years or on demand, which limits the ability to anticipate market changes. In this sense, adopting more advanced tools and establishing regular planning processes is essential to improve resilience and efficiency in a dynamic environment.
Relying on an expert in the transport of chemicals
Having a specialised logistics partner can make all the difference in the highly regulated and complex chemical industry. From efficiently managing operational costs to implementing advanced technologies and adopting sustainable practices, a chemical logistics specialist can turn challenges into opportunities. In addition, their specialist knowledge and global network enables companies to comply with all regulations and respond with agility to market demands.
At Rhenus, we are experts in logistics and transport solutions for the chemical industry. We are committed to being the partner our customers need to overcome today's challenges and build more efficient and sustainable logistics. Discover our solutions and capabilities for the chemical industry here.